- Kitchen Institute
- Editor at Kitchen Institute
I’m a proud OSU alum with degrees in English and Spanish. Having also worked in a craft brewery for 3 years and written for NetJets’ Vintner Circle, I have a special expertise in wine, beer, and cocktails. On Kitchen Institute, I hope to simplify these topics for you so you can create a Pinterest-worthy bar cart, branch out a bit the next time you order at a bar, or wow your guests with the perfect bottle of wine at your next dinner party.
I’ve also been vegan for the past seven years and love using fresh ingredients and global flavors to recreate classic dishes with a vegan twist. Whether I’m developing new recipes or putting a fresh spin on family favorites, I aim to make vegan cooking accessible, delicious, and satisfying for everyone at the table.
Read All Articles by Kelly Tobin
The Best Meal Prep Lunch Boxes for Nutritious Homemade Food
Pack healthy and delicious meals in the ideal lunch box! Find out the top-notch meal prep lunch boxes of 2025 to bring your homemade food anywhere.
Updated March 31, 2025
The Best Wine Chillers: No More Lukewarm Wine
Find the perfect wine chiller for your next gathering. Learn about the top wine chillers of 2025 to keep your bottles cold and delicious.
Updated February 24, 2025
The Best Stemless Wine Glasses (Practical and Aesthetic)
Just because stemless wine glasses are sturdy and practical doesn't mean they can't also be beautiful to look at. Check out my favorites here!
Updated February 24, 2025
The Best Cocktail Smokers for Rich, Flavorful Drinks at Home
Transform your drinks with our guide to the best cocktail smokers. Find the perfect way to add a smoky flavor to your favorite cocktails.
Updated February 24, 2025
The Best Cocktail Glasses For a Bar Cart Upgrade
Raise the bar with the best cocktail glasses. Each one is designed to make every drink— from martinis to margaritas — a perfect experience.
Updated February 24, 2025
The Best 5 Cocktail Strainers for Your Home Bar
I’ve reviewed the best bar strainers based on material quality and overall design so you can choose the perfect tool for your home bar.
Updated February 24, 2025
The 6 Best Cocktail Shakers for At-Home Bartenders
A cocktail shaker is an essential tool for becoming a serious mixologist — and it's surprisingly affordable! See my top picks for your bar cart.
Updated February 24, 2025
The 5 Best Cocktail Muddlers For Next-Level Drinks
From mint for mojitos to fruit for cocktails, check out my review of the best cocktail muddlers to suit every bartending need.
Updated February 24, 2025
My Search for the Best Electric Wine Openers
Life is too short to spend your time struggling with a manual wine opener. Join me as I review some better options.
Updated February 24, 2025
Creamy Vegan Matcha Ice Cream
If you love matcha as much as I do, this coconut matcha ice cream recipe is a dream come true. And it's vegan too!
Updated February 1, 2025
30+ Fall Coffee Bar Ideas
Whether you’re into pumpkin spice lattes, caramel macchiatos, or good ol’ black coffee, these coffee bar ideas will elevate your mornings.
Updated January 22, 2025
You’ve Never Had an Espresso Martini Like This (Dalgona-Style)
Today I'm remixing the classic espresso martini by topping it with a frothy Dalgona coffee layer — it's the perfect way to supercharge your weekend.
Updated December 11, 2024
Matcha vs. Coffee: Which Is the Healthier Caffeine Source?
Looking to switch up your caffeine routine? Learn the key differences between matcha and coffee, and find out which one suits your energy needs.
Updated December 11, 2024
Different Types of Green Tea: A Guide for Tea Lovers
There's way more than just one type of green tea. Learn more about this ancient beverage and find some new varieties to add to your tea cupboard.
Updated October 23, 2024
How to Steep Tea The Right Way
Learn how to steep black, green, white, and herbal teas perfectly with our complete guide on temperatures, steeping times, and techniques.
Updated October 12, 2024
Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned: What’s the Difference?
I break down the differences the Manhattan and Old Fashioned — classic cocktails with unique stories, ingredients, and flavors.
Updated October 7, 2024
Your Go-To Guide to Different Types of Tea
Learn all about different types of tea, including processing methods, flavor profiles, and health advantages.
Updated September 23, 2024
The Ultimate Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Take the classic Old Fashioned to the next level with this smoking technique that's sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
Updated September 23, 2024
What Is Ceremonial Grade Matcha and Why Is It So Expensive?
What exactly makes ceremonial grade matcha stand out from the rest? And why does it come with such a hefty price tag?
Updated September 22, 2024
Stop Sleeping on Italian Margaritas! Here’s My Favorite Recipe
As much as I love a classic Mexican margarita, Italian margaritas are criminally overlooked. Check out this recipe to make your own at home.
Updated September 17, 2024